Chang’e Moon missions

Chang’e 1: China’s first lunar mission launched in 2007. It orbited the Moon and created a topographical map of the surface

Chang’e 2: A second orbiting mission in 2011 to scout for future landing sites as well as take high-resolution photos

Chang’e 3: First unmanned Moon landing of the Chang’e effort. The lander with Jade Rabbit touched down in 2013, making it the first soft landing on the Moon since 1976. Despite some technical issues, the rover functioned until 2016 when it was officially declared dead

Chang’e 4: China’s current mission to explore and research the far side of the Moon

One of those experiments is a biosphere project, which includes silkworm eggs, thale cress and potato seeds.

If it goes to plan, the ecosystem would be self-sustaining, with the silkworms germinating the potatoes and popping out caterpillars. These would in turn produce carbon dioxide, helping the plants grow as a food source.

Because the far side faces away from Earth, it is also shielded from radio transmissions — making it the perfect place from which to study the universe.

The mission is part of China’s ambitious push to explore the Moon’s resources and potential as a space base.

China landed its Yutu, or ‘Jade Rabbit’ rover on the Moon five years ago and plans to have Chang’e 5 return to earth with samples — the first time that will have been done since 1976.

"newsunbox.com" is one of the lucrative news, entertainment, politics & business based site. We outfit you with the latest breaking news and accounts as your trusted in accomplice that enhances your understanding.